After skiing Pipestone Bowl (terrain which is outside of the Lake Louise ski area), two skiers were working back to the ski area in their downhill gear with skins. At approximately 1500 hrs, the party triggered an avalanche that propagated to the steeper terrain overhead, and the second skier in the party was caught. He was carried 50 m and buried 150-200 cm deep. The partner conducted a transceiver search, extricated the skier, initiated first aid, and activated 911. Parks Canada Visitor Safety evacuated the party to Emergency Medical Services. The skier did not survive.
Avalanches
Date/Time
Size
Type
Trigger
Elevation
Aspect
Slab width
Slab Thickness
2.5
S
Sa
2100 m
NW
300 m
100 cm
Weather
Present Temp
Max Temp
Min Temp
24hr Trend
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Sky Condition
Precipitation Type & Intensity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Snowpack
Snowpack
24hr Snow
Storm Snow
Storm Date
-
-
-
-
Documents
Document Date
Title
Source
2025-03-14
Photo of the avalanche with a red dot indicating the approximate trigger point. Notably, there are small to medium sized trees in the start zone and track.